Chain or Cable?

[daswolter]

I'm looking at getting a come along for use around the future homestead. I'm looking at either chain or cable to extend the reach of the come along. What do you guys use for you hauling, dragging, lifting. and hoisting jobs, Chain or Cable? And why?

[lilweasel]

We have used both on the farm, and they each have good and bad points. Chains can be used in shorter lengths and are easier to store. We use a long cable when pulling trees down. 100ft of cable is heavy and hard to roll up, but it's nicer than hooking 4 chains together.

[nutriaratman]

When using a come along with a chain extension when your cable is out lay a couple old bath towels , blankets ,etc. over the cable touching the ground on both sides , your cable will probably break ( hope not but if it does ) before the chain the towels on the cable will drag it to the ground instead of being like a whip & hitting someone . Hope nothing breaks on you but you NEVER know , just a safety tip thought I'd throw at ya .

[Admin]

I have several different lengths of 3/8 cable, all equipped with fixed hooks and slip hooks, Plus short length chokers. I can usually do whatever I need and rarely have to use any chain.

Nutriaratman, Nice safety tip.

[hntswbow]

I use nylon choker straps. I have 3 straps at 6'x1" for ATV work and 2 straps 15'x2" for using with my truck. The straps are easier to work with, safer, and lighter then cable or chain.

[daswolter]

Hey thanks for the advice guys that really helps. I was wondering about those nylon straps but just didn't think they would last like steel so I didn't consider them as an option.

What kind of durability do you get out of those nylon straps as far as how long they last when use within their use rating?

[hntswbow]

The two larger straps are 15 years old and I don't think they will break in another 15 years. The ATV straps are only 4 years old, but they look brand new. As long as you keep them out of the sun and weather, stay within their rating, they should last for years.

[daswolter]

Thanks HNTSWBOW I'll have to add those to my thinking as well. Thanks for giving me another option.